“Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly – they’ll go through anything.” — Aldous Huxley, Brave New World
Kick back with a warm cup of your favorite beverage and read something new. Each is inspired by the latest weekly writing prompt. Read alongside your neighbors and friends and don’t hesitate to add supportive comments on the work that resonates with you!
Library Post card by Duane L. Herrmann
It was a library, an ancient one, I could tell by the style of the shelves and stairs. No library like that had been built … Continue reading Library Post card by Duane L. Herrmann
Escape Haiku by Leslie Sittner
No warning. Card says“Arrive Friday for a week”Too bad we’ll be gone
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.” by June Kosier
Calvin CoolidgeChristmas In July The last post card I received was an antique one commemorating the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” I did not … Continue reading Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.” by June Kosier
To Peggy Across the Universe by Diane Kendall Stevens
I’m writing to you to see how you are, thankful that we’ve found a way to communicate across this vast distance between us and eager … Continue reading To Peggy Across the Universe by Diane Kendall Stevens
Writing to Artemin Prime by Duane L. Herrmann
Dear Xrjot, Earth is having a bit of a time now. The climate is going out of balance, but the people and corporations with money … Continue reading Writing to Artemin Prime by Duane L. Herrmann
Unlikely Friends by Leslie Sittner
November 5, 1963 Dear Jerome, Thank you so much for passing me your full address at the prison today. I’m not sure if it is … Continue reading Unlikely Friends by Leslie Sittner
In the Waiting Room by Karen M. Titherington
“But, I’m the patient!” She met the eyes of a stranger in the waiting room in an oncology center. He was coughing and resting simultaneously. … Continue reading In the Waiting Room by Karen M. Titherington
What is This Age? by Duane L. Herrmann
“We’re in an age of transition,” the man remarked to his companion as they passed by me. I didn’t know what transition they were talking … Continue reading What is This Age? by Duane L. Herrmann
The Invasion by Leslie Sittner
“So sad. So very sad. But there’s hope for recovery.” She’s slowly shaking her head as her ancient German shepherd tugs on his leash. Her … Continue reading The Invasion by Leslie Sittner
“Dodging the bullet” by Linda Freedland
“You know I’d love to have you both over for dinner, but my oven and stove died.” This statement was uttered by a woman, seated … Continue reading “Dodging the bullet” by Linda Freedland
The Right Combination by Nancy Kimball
“I forgot the combination.” A comment I overheard in the ladies locker room at the local Y. The facility had just opened the locker … Continue reading The Right Combination by Nancy Kimball
Ode to this Desk by Amy Quinn
This desk isn’t much to look at. It’s not a show-stopper like the one behind me: blond maple with a black laminate in-laid surface, two … Continue reading Ode to this Desk by Amy Quinn
Sight Unseen by Joni Youse
You are the second thing I reach foreach morning, rolling overstill cocooned in the last few moments of sleep.Metal appendage, glass covered in fingerprints.Mine, yours, … Continue reading Sight Unseen by Joni Youse
Seeds Of Gratitude by Mary Perrin Scott
The month is MarchPackets of possibility arriveThe seed trays are waitingCarefully little seedsAre planted in the trayOf cups. Gently watered The sunroom nurturesTheir daily growth … Continue reading Seeds Of Gratitude by Mary Perrin Scott
Ode to My Coffee Maker by T. Mary Tallon
Oh classic Cuisinart coffee maker, how I adore theeFor each morning you beckon me out of slumberWith your, not too loud so as to wake … Continue reading Ode to My Coffee Maker by T. Mary Tallon
Ode to our kitchen table by Kathy Barlow
We gathered round the kitchen table,Complete with six strong chairs,Confident we had learnt the fableOf how a family fares.Built from ash hewn miles away,When furniture … Continue reading Ode to our kitchen table by Kathy Barlow
STACKS FROM TREES by Duane L. Herrmann
It is paper,it is treeschewed upreconstitutedinto thin, flat sheetsthat fill my roomin stacks and stackswith little order,but they are minechosen by mefor some purposeI may, … Continue reading STACKS FROM TREES by Duane L. Herrmann
The Vagaries of Memory by Leslie Sittner
Memory dissolves life eventsor freezes them in timeor floods them with confusionor drowns them in denial Memory can chip away at consciencecan harden the heartcan … Continue reading The Vagaries of Memory by Leslie Sittner
Goodbye Daddy by Joni Youse
I don’t dare to stay long…I said to the mirrorI never wanted tosay goodbye to youI never wanted youto see me cryYou are goneyet you … Continue reading Goodbye Daddy by Joni Youse
One Last Adventure by Duane L. Herrmann
Two men were out for a drive. They could have been father and son, but were not. They were just friends, the younger one taking … Continue reading One Last Adventure by Duane L. Herrmann
The Cake by Linda McKenney
The house was deeply quiet as everyone was asleep. Leaving the coolness of the window fan in her bedroom, she slinked out the door into … Continue reading The Cake by Linda McKenney
Fireflies Among the Bedrock by Linda Freedland
I sat, overlooking the green lush hills of Sorrento. I came here to escape. Escape the rejection, the humiliation of a marriage in shambles, the … Continue reading Fireflies Among the Bedrock by Linda Freedland
As My Mother Told Me by Duane L. Herrmann
It was an early summer evening. The sun had just set. In the gradually increasing darkness, little lights began to rise from the tall grass. … Continue reading As My Mother Told Me by Duane L. Herrmann
Schroon Lake Haiku by Leslie Sittner
one-room log cabinisolated in the woodsout-house, spring water darkness. the bonfirefireflies guide us to the dockwhere we catch sunfish toast fish on a stickover fire. … Continue reading Schroon Lake Haiku by Leslie Sittner
Operation: Investigation – Exo-three by Duane L. Herrmann
“Gorak!” Barked Team Leader soundlessly. “If you don’t comply, you’ll be sent back and someone else will finish this Observation!” “Yes, Your Most Excellent Expediency,” … Continue reading Operation: Investigation – Exo-three by Duane L. Herrmann
THE FLAVOR OF VINEGAR by Nicky Falck
When Richard ate a pickled red pepper on a dare, it did not invoke a similar degree of risk had he agreed to bungee jump … Continue reading THE FLAVOR OF VINEGAR by Nicky Falck
Proctor is a Mean Old Man by Duane L. Herrmann
“I dare you to write the truth about Mr. Proctor,” Jimmy taunted. “All right. I will!” Terry exclaimed. ‘No. Don’t do it.” Siri protested. ‘Mr. … Continue reading Proctor is a Mean Old Man by Duane L. Herrmann
Every Person Would be Taught by Duane L. Herrmann
If it were up to me every person would be taught that this life is a preparatory stage for our real life after death. Just … Continue reading Every Person Would be Taught by Duane L. Herrmann
The Thief Amnesia by Edward Pontacoloni
I can’t remember my password,or even ever my user Id.My circumstances are awkward.Google doesn’t remember me,and I can’t recall myself. All around are remnants of … Continue reading The Thief Amnesia by Edward Pontacoloni
Chronic Small Vessel Brain Disease and the Fisher by Leslie Sittner
My grandsons and I are hiking around in hot July woods with the dog when, “Boys, maybe we’ll see this unusual wild creature I’ve seen … Continue reading Chronic Small Vessel Brain Disease and the Fisher by Leslie Sittner
Cheetos, the Pig and I by Linda Freedland
I was fine until that virtual wine tasting. The host suggested we all put together a tray of plain, unseasoned crackers, some type of charcuterie, … Continue reading Cheetos, the Pig and I by Linda Freedland
I, Me, Mind by Edward Pontacoloni
“Hey, whaddya doin? Didn’ I tell you that you can’t eat that junk food?” “Wahddya mean? You’re the one with the weight problem, not me.” … Continue reading I, Me, Mind by Edward Pontacoloni
If Dreams Could Come True by June Hannay Kosier
Reaching for a bag of Lay’s potato chips, I see another hand reaching for the same bag. I look at the person attached to the … Continue reading If Dreams Could Come True by June Hannay Kosier
Encouraging Words by Duane L. Herrmann
I was in the store getting a few things. I reached up to grab a bag of chips and, out of the corner of my … Continue reading Encouraging Words by Duane L. Herrmann
The Reflection by Kathy Barlow
The small plane hovered on the horizon, mostly obscured by the trees in the full fall foliage. The plane was festooned with yellow, gold, and … Continue reading The Reflection by Kathy Barlow
An ordinary life: Meeting Up With Myself by Eilene Susan Wenner
It was quite unexpected, and yet my sister and I have talked about this moment when I was in my twenties. Why I would be … Continue reading An ordinary life: Meeting Up With Myself by Eilene Susan Wenner
Contest Winner by Duane L. Herrmann
I was flabbergasted to be asked to judge the pie contest this year. What an honor! I’d been making pies since I was a little … Continue reading Contest Winner by Duane L. Herrmann
Whoops! by Carol Schupp Star
Apple pieCherry PiePumpkin pieBlackberry pieGaloreEating all no choreAnnual hometown pie contestNo more, no less!But what’s this?Who’s gagging?Mrs. Smith?Oh no!If it weren’t for the pie!We don’t … Continue reading Whoops! by Carol Schupp Star
The Pie Revenge by Ted Cox
I’m not quite sure, but I seem to be lying on my back on the floor with people standing around me and I’m passing in … Continue reading The Pie Revenge by Ted Cox
Piezazz by Edward Pontacoloni
Editor’s note: The following narrative is by Homer Agee, the judge of the 2020 Warren County Harvest Fair pie contest. Mr. Agee did not know … Continue reading Piezazz by Edward Pontacoloni
A Poisoned Pie by B.L. Miller
The annual pie contest in Starglow took place every 8th of May. Somehow, I got roped into being one of the judges this year. There … Continue reading A Poisoned Pie by B.L. Miller
Poisoned Pie Contest by Jane VanCantfort
Nannie Doss’ Award Winning Apple Prune Pie The county fair was back in full force this year, they had cancelled it when the pandemic struck, … Continue reading Poisoned Pie Contest by Jane VanCantfort
Hazards of Pie Contests by Eilene Susan Wenner
Ate some pies;Then I died;Don’t know why;A person would try;to kill some judges;who only desired;to give out some ribbons;to the best local pie-er; The hospital, … Continue reading Hazards of Pie Contests by Eilene Susan Wenner
Pie Number 2 by June Hannay Kosier
My name is Elizabeth Crocker and I am going to tell you about the day I thought I was going to die. It was in … Continue reading Pie Number 2 by June Hannay Kosier
Helping Out by by Duane L. Herrmann
“Why don’t you ask Granma to help you?” Orion’s mother suggested.“But she’d dead!” He objected.“So? That only means she won’t be distracted by other things … Continue reading Helping Out by by Duane L. Herrmann
Seeking Cozy Mystery by Diane Kendall Stevens
“I need a cozy murder mystery to snuggle up with,” Jenny said, looking out the window at the rain, which was bringing down the remaining … Continue reading Seeking Cozy Mystery by Diane Kendall Stevens
Robert and I – A Ghost Story by Linda Freedland
I stared at three photos of a woman I’d placed side by side on my desk. Flame red hair and green eyes. A very attractive … Continue reading Robert and I – A Ghost Story by Linda Freedland
The Typewriter Mystery by June Hannay Kosier
Tuesday“Hi, Joanne! I am calling you to let you know that I am all moved in to the farm house.”“I miss you already, Therese. To … Continue reading The Typewriter Mystery by June Hannay Kosier
The Case of the Missing Mascot by Edward Pontacoloni
I was still in bed when the phone rang. I rolled over to the end table, picked up my phone, and looked at the screen…a … Continue reading The Case of the Missing Mascot by Edward Pontacoloni
Ghostly Assistance by Mary Perrin Scott
Paul and Mary, local small- town detectives, were known for solving crimes. Now that Mary had died, what was Paul to do? He had never … Continue reading Ghostly Assistance by Mary Perrin Scott
A Mystery and A Ghost by B.L. Miller
Mrs. Sofiya Maria Doyle was a simple woman. She was married for twenty years to her husband Ivan, she had two sons, and attended mass … Continue reading A Mystery and A Ghost by B.L. Miller
The Inspector & His Specter Haiku by Leslie Sittner
Hank snaps his fingerscalling his muse to appearPooffin shows herself O-O-O-O-O, what’s the project?she floats above his old deskHank says, “missing dog” they want their … Continue reading The Inspector & His Specter Haiku by Leslie Sittner
A Little More Than Pictures by Eilene Susan Wenner
The office seemed almost quiet for a police department. No phones were ringing, everyone was sitting around shifting papers from drawers or file cabinets, to … Continue reading A Little More Than Pictures by Eilene Susan Wenner
House Risk by Duane L. Herrmann
I took a risk when I signed the contract to build a house. I was a Librarian. I was not a carpenter. I was not … Continue reading House Risk by Duane L. Herrmann
I took a risk? When? To attain what? by Jeff Cochran
I was standing on the step that says, “THIS IS NOT A STEP”, and the ladder popped out from under me. My forehead hit the … Continue reading I took a risk? When? To attain what? by Jeff Cochran
A Writer’s Risk by Linda Freedland
I’m going to put it right out there. I’m not a big risk-taker. I’ve always played it safe, a fact my son is almost ashamed … Continue reading A Writer’s Risk by Linda Freedland
The Delight of Alpine Skiing by Mary Perrin Scott
Skiing in the Swiss Alps is terrific fun and challenging. I was nineteen years old when my parents took our family to Davos, Switzerland to … Continue reading The Delight of Alpine Skiing by Mary Perrin Scott
Lake Effect Snow by William Gilbert
The lake effect snowstorms that churn up over the open waters of Lake Ontario are of epic proportions. It is not uncommon to receive dumpings … Continue reading Lake Effect Snow by William Gilbert
The Book by Linda A McKenney
The clandestine handoff occurred on the grey asphalt ribbon, sandwiched between the Hudson River and the two-story brick building.“I’ve got a really cool book for … Continue reading The Book by Linda A McKenney
I, Columbus by Edward Pontacoloni
I took a risk when I sailedover the edge of the earth.I knew that I would befree falling, tumbling about in the darknessamong the celestials,like … Continue reading I, Columbus by Edward Pontacoloni
Mysteries In The Big Easy-Prologue by B.L. Miller
I took a risk when I decided to move from New York City to New Orleans. I was an artist, a painter with a case … Continue reading Mysteries In The Big Easy-Prologue by B.L. Miller
Finding My Bad-Boy by Leslie Sittner
I’m sitting in a suburban golf club bar with twenty old high school classmates. It’s Friday night of our 25th high school reunion weekend. I’ve … Continue reading Finding My Bad-Boy by Leslie Sittner
Possibility by Judith Parsley
Here was the man I thought I wanted to marry, but. . .His stories of abuse frightened me. I came from a loving home. I … Continue reading Possibility by Judith Parsley
The Scottish Dutchman by June Hannay Kosier
I was raised to believe I was Dutch on my father’s side. My father was raised in the Dutch Reformed Church and his family was … Continue reading The Scottish Dutchman by June Hannay Kosier
A Forced Reckoning by Diane Kendall Stevens
I was raised to believe that around us were people with stories of struggle we would never guess. Empathy and compassion were part of every … Continue reading A Forced Reckoning by Diane Kendall Stevens
Red Pistachios and All My Children by tinadebellegarde
Rushing out of the pool. Drenched. Wrapping towels around our waists and dropping to our knees before the television god. One o’clock. All My Children. … Continue reading Red Pistachios and All My Children by tinadebellegarde
HB No. 2 by Edward Pontacoloni
I was raised to believe in the Ticonderoga HB No. 2 (soft) Graphite Pencil. And, although I am older now, and although I have a … Continue reading HB No. 2 by Edward Pontacoloni
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. by Linda Freedland
My parents taught me many things…as parents are expected to do…. and hopefully, the right things. Among these, I was raised to believe in myself, … Continue reading R.E.S.P.E.C.T. by Linda Freedland
The Birds and the Bees Talk by Leslie Sittner
She takes a deep drag on her Old Gold cigarette, slowly blows the blue-ish smoke out through her nose, clears her throat, pauses, says, “You’re … Continue reading The Birds and the Bees Talk by Leslie Sittner
I was raised to believe by Mary Perrin Scott
I was raised to believe that everyone is created equal. When I was a teenager, my parents encouraged me to work at a local summer … Continue reading I was raised to believe by Mary Perrin Scott
Grounded by Lorraine Caramanna
I walked on water. Back in the day, my little brother thought that was the greatest thing in the world – walking on water. His … Continue reading Grounded by Lorraine Caramanna
An Ordinary Life: THE FAMILY; what they taught me by Eilene Susan Wenner
I was raised to believe that all things are possible, and anything can happen in this life we are living. It’s curious that I was … Continue reading An Ordinary Life: THE FAMILY; what they taught me by Eilene Susan Wenner
Can’t Sleep by Duane L. Herrmann
Wood mites eatpaper under bed,cockroaches feaston companion dead,silverfish climbup the wall beside…Clothes hang to drywhipped into frenzyby wild wind,and flower openscalls in colors:“I’m here! I’m … Continue reading Can’t Sleep by Duane L. Herrmann
Wide Wake at 3:00 A.M. by Linda Freedland
I’ve never been one for lying awake thinking about all the things that could, should or would go wrong in the upcoming days, weeks or … Continue reading Wide Wake at 3:00 A.M. by Linda Freedland
Lullaby and Good Night by June Hannay Kosier
Unfortunately, there is nothing that keeps me up at night. I try my darndest to stay awake, but just can’t do it. I am asleep … Continue reading Lullaby and Good Night by June Hannay Kosier
Taxing Sleeplessness by Mary Perrin Scott
Sleep comes easily for meOnce my head hits the pillowI am lulled into a sweet slumberJanuary arrives in 2021Sleep jarred awake by worryTax time will … Continue reading Taxing Sleeplessness by Mary Perrin Scott
Peepers by Edward Pontacoloni
What keeps me up at night is fear that the sky is falling. That, and the hoot of the barred owl with his whocooks, whocooksforyouall … Continue reading Peepers by Edward Pontacoloni
Sparky’s Wine Bottle by William Gilbert
A psychologist on the radio said that as we grow older we tend to remember things pulled up from the deep recesses of our minds, … Continue reading Sparky’s Wine Bottle by William Gilbert
An Ordinary Life: Sleeping by Eilene Susan Wenner
The only thing that keeps me awake at night is “not breathing.” Since birth I spent most of my first year of life in the … Continue reading An Ordinary Life: Sleeping by Eilene Susan Wenner
Thoughts of Expression Tomorrow by Daniel Schiavello
Thoughts of Expression Tomorrow is a promise that may not be kept but today is forever in peace with no tears to be wept. Live … Continue reading Thoughts of Expression Tomorrow by Daniel Schiavello
What keeps me up at night is by Candice Wagener
What keeps me up at night is parenthood. Before becoming a parent, I used to sleep through the night effortlessly, sometimes sleeping as late as … Continue reading What keeps me up at night is by Candice Wagener
The bloody angle by Christopher Bruneaux
Light horse Harry Lee was a real sonofabitchhe pissed away two wives’ fortunes—but,I bet he nevershot up in the bathroom, finding the bloody angle so … Continue reading The bloody angle by Christopher Bruneaux
Lifeguard by Diane Kendall Stevens
For three summers I’d throw shorts and a t-shirt on over my tank suit, slide on sunglasses, and walk down to the YMCA in my … Continue reading Lifeguard by Diane Kendall Stevens
The Tradition of Home by Joni Youse
The tradition I carry on is the desire to go home. I’m the odd ball. The first born child. My father was fresh out of … Continue reading The Tradition of Home by Joni Youse
Snow Fever by Heather Haag
The tradition I carry on is Snow Fever. It’s more of an affliction than a tradition but many people refuse to admit it’s a problem. … Continue reading Snow Fever by Heather Haag
I Have Learned…by Duane L Herrmann
The tradition I carry on is an interest in family history. Both sides of my family carried stories of our past. On one side I … Continue reading I Have Learned…by Duane L Herrmann
Thanksgiving A Time Of Thankfulness! by Mary Perrin Scott
Thankfulness always surroundedThanksgiving celebrationsThe table set; the food preparedWe gathered young and oldOur tradition evolved aroundThe fact we had no family nearWe gathered those aloneNew … Continue reading Thanksgiving A Time Of Thankfulness! by Mary Perrin Scott
Family Fudge by Linda Freedland
My family was big on traditions, but not the “Fiddler on the Roof” kind of tradition, but the “we’ve always done it this way” kind. … Continue reading Family Fudge by Linda Freedland
Kinehora by Ellen Rocco
This is the word I say whenever I think things are going well. It’s a basic Jewish tradition to avoid tempting fate. If I hear … Continue reading Kinehora by Ellen Rocco
The Tradition I Carry On Is…by Candice Wagener
The tradition I carry on is making sure my kids understand the value and importance of good, wholesome food and where it comes from. I … Continue reading The Tradition I Carry On Is…by Candice Wagener
An Ordinary Life: The Family by Eilene Susan Wenner
The tradition I carry on is cooking and eating Pork and Sauerkraut every January 1st. I can go an entire year without eating this dinner, … Continue reading An Ordinary Life: The Family by Eilene Susan Wenner
Furlong Ago Traditionally by Edward Pontacoloni
The tradition I carry on is down south of here, about twenty or so, where the salt springs are, and Broadway too, where there’s a … Continue reading Furlong Ago Traditionally by Edward Pontacoloni
Trap Doors by Diane Kendall Stevens
I’ve seen it too many times in these rooms. Some young thing will come in a little late, usually wearing a hat down over his … Continue reading Trap Doors by Diane Kendall Stevens
The Hidden Trap Door- Historical Intrigue by Mary Perrin Scott
Five miles up Chunks Brook Road, a dirt road, in Sandgate, Vermont, sits a little white farm house. The year was 1775. Ethen Allen was … Continue reading The Hidden Trap Door- Historical Intrigue by Mary Perrin Scott
An Ordinary Life by Eilene Susan Wenner
Again, and again it goes that I have moved into a new house with all my boxes which need to be unpacked. The only difference … Continue reading An Ordinary Life by Eilene Susan Wenner
The Vindication of Mrs. Connor by June Hannay Kosier
“It feels good to finally have the closing and get started on the remodeling,” she spoke.“Remodeling a house built in the early 1800s with the … Continue reading The Vindication of Mrs. Connor by June Hannay Kosier
An Adirondack Trap Door by Edward Pontacoloni
“Well, that was the strangest thing,” he said. “It’s gonna snow,” she said. “The old hermit told me that I would find it there,” he … Continue reading An Adirondack Trap Door by Edward Pontacoloni
Hidden by Rachel Smith
Even with the gas mask, the filtered air still burned her lungs. Snippets of her father’s rhetoric jangled Charlie’s brain, a cacophony of his gravelly … Continue reading Hidden by Rachel Smith
The Yearbook by Linda Freedland
Josh had been four when the fire nearly destroyed their home. He had been fifteen when his parents announced they were divorcing, then only two … Continue reading The Yearbook by Linda Freedland
The Hidden Door by Duane L. Herrmann
I was walking in the house where I grew up. No one lived there now. It would be demolished soon. My youngest brother was going … Continue reading The Hidden Door by Duane L. Herrmann
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